Application Help
Hello, I'm hoping someone with experience hiring for federal jobs can help me figure out what l'm missing.
I just completed my first season on an engine crew with state DNR. I've been applying for a bunch of federal wildland fire positions at different locations, and for every location I applied to, l've gotten the same outcome. All of the emails l'm receiving back so far are the selection decision notices saying:
"This is a record of the selection decision.
We regret to inform you that you were not selected for the position of.....:"
I used the USA jobs resume builder, updated the entire first season of work experience listed on my resume, along with my qualifications and experience.
I believe those were all GW-03 positions as well that failed. The position I am aiming for only hires GW-04 and above. Am I eligible for the GW-04 with one season of state engine experience? Or is there something I'm missing in my resume/ application that is preventing me from being selected from even the GW03?
I'm not sure what is the issue, missing a qualification, or just not presenting my experience correctly. Last year I had many federal application issues as well, but I ended up using USA jobs resume builder and it worked eventually (with no fire experience). Now this year i'm using that same resume PLUS a season of wildland on there now.
If anyone has experience with federal fire hiring or has gone through this with a similar background, l'd really appreciate some advice. I can also send my resume with personal information removed if that would help.
Thank you
Posted Sep 25, 2026, 5:14 PM UTC